Steve Geller

Who to Keep an Eye On: Saints at Eagles

by Steve Geller,posted Jan 3 2014 11:12AM

The Who Dat Dream of hoisting another Lombardi Trophy is still alive since the 11-5 Saints earned a spot in the postseason as the #6 seed, and travel to Philadelphia this week to face a 10-6 Eagles team that won the NFC East and are the #3 seed.

It will be chilly in Philly on Saturday, and the Saints look to exorcise their postseason road demons by earning their first playoff win outside the Superdome in franchise history. You have to like the Black & Gold’s chances in this one, as the Eagles defense is ranked dead last in the NFL against the pass, and we all know that is the Saints' strongest attribute.

PREDICTION: Saints 27 Eagles 23

Now here are some players I’ll be keeping an eye on in this Wild Card match-up

SAINTS

TE Jimmy Graham

I am expecting a huge day from the “Hulk in Cleats,” because the Eagles hvae nobody, and I mean nobody that can match up with him. Look for Graham to chew up and spit out would-be Philly defenders and rack up over 100 yards on the day while catching 2 scores. JIMMY EAT EAGLE!

DE Cam Jordan

The Saints finally hit a homerun with a first round draft pick when they drafted this guy back in 2011. In year 3 in the NFL, Jordan earned 12.5 sacks, a Pro Bowl nod, and will look to feast on second year QB Nick Foles. While the Eagles signal caller does not throw interceptions, it is only because he holds onto the ball, and will take the sack rather than chuck up a pass. It will be vital to the Saints for Jordan to rattle the youngster.

S Roman Harper

I hate to do this, because I really like Harper, but he is God-awful in pass converge and everyone knows it. Philly has an array of weapons at their disposal at receiver, and could make it a long day for Harper if Foles is given time to throw. Having rookie Kenny Vaccaro out for the remainder of the season really hurts the Saints D.

EAGLES

RB Lesean McCoy

Goal numero uno for the Fleur Di Lis D is to slow down the NFL’s leading rusher. McCoy got the nickname "Shady" from his mother as a baby, due to his constantly changing mood. Now, it stands for his elusiveness on the field. He is also a threat in the Eagles passing attack and totaled 11 TDs with a league best 2,146 yards from scrimmage.

CB Brandon Boykin

Drew Brees has been known to throw a pick or 2 on the road, and Boykin will be lurking, ready, and waiting to snatch one on #9’s passes. On the year Boykin has 6 interceptions and the 23-year-old has played in only half of the team’s defensive snaps as the nickel corner. I expect he will be on the field a lot against the Saints.

LB Trent Cole

The 9-year vet leads the Eagles in sacks, and will try and exploit Saints' rookie left tackle Terron Armstead. Along with his 8 sacks on the year, Cole has 15 quarterback pressures and 10 tackles for loss. Armstead rebounded nicely against the Bucs last week after a shaky start against the Cats, but Cole is an upgrade to what Tampa Bay threw at him.

Don't be such a homer. You know we do not play well outdoors and that Eagles team has a great ability to poor on the points. I don't think we'll get past this weekend unfortunate.
Eagles also have the edge on turnovers. We need to jump on them early. Go Who Dat'!

01/04/2014 11:44AM

be a homer

you have to trust your team and believe in the win. national predictors Are split. it is not farfetched to think we will win. go wwl, go steve, go saints.

01/04/2014 12:41PM

"YA GOTTA BELIEVE"

If they play they can no problem!!! Play like professionals, no problem!!!
Take the day off, go no further!!!
BIONICKNEE

01/04/2014 12:44PM

Homer

You need to understand that the saints play better when there is something to play for. Plus let's not forget who they rolled up points on. Saints by three